European giants eyeing move to sign Brighton forward | OneFootball

Porto maintain interest in Brighton’s rising winger

Brighton stance on Watson

Porto are continuing to monitor Brighton’s teenage winger Tommy Watson after their loan enquiry was rejected on deadline day. The Seagulls turned down the late summer approach because they see Watson playing a meaningful role under Fabian Hurzeler this season. As reported by Football Insider.

Photo IMAGO

Watson, 19, has not yet featured in the Premier League but has made an immediate impact in the Carabao Cup. He came off the bench to score in a 6-0 win against Oxford United, then started against Barnsley and provided three assists in another 6-0 victory. Brighton insiders are encouraged by his rapid adaptation and believe his potential makes him an important squad option.

Porto’s ongoing interest

Sources suggest Porto have not been put off by Brighton’s stance. The Portuguese club remain keen and could return with another proposal in future windows. Their interest comes only months after Watson made the move from Sunderland to Brighton in a £10 million deal agreed last April.

Despite their rejection, Porto’s persistence highlights the winger’s growing reputation across Europe. Brighton secured Watson on a four-year contract that ties him to the Amex until 2029, reflecting their long-term plans.

Sunderland roots and breakthrough

Watson’s reputation was forged at Sunderland, where he graduated through the youth system from the Under-9s. His most memorable contribution came in last season’s play-off final against Sheffield United, scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner that secured Premier League promotion for the Black Cats.

Photo IMAGO

That moment was his farewell to Wearside before joining Brighton, providing Sunderland with a fitting parting gift and offering a glimpse of his knack for decisive moments.

Brighton’s belief in his development

The winger made 11 senior starts for Sunderland last term, registering two goals and two assists. Those performances, combined with his Carabao Cup impact for Brighton, underline why the Seagulls rejected Porto’s loan proposal.

With his pace, directness and composure in front of goal, Watson has been earmarked as one of the standout young talents to emerge on the south coast.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The interest from Porto in Tommy Watson is flattering but not surprising. Fans have already seen glimpses of his quality in the Carabao Cup, where he displayed both creativity and a calmness beyond his years. The 19-year-old has quickly become a player many would like to see handed a Premier League debut sooner rather than later.

There is pride in seeing European giants like Porto take notice, but the overwhelming feeling is that Watson’s future should be at Brighton. The club have invested £10 million in him, tied him to a long-term contract and clearly see him as part of the plan under Fabian Hurzeler. For supporters, that stability is key. They want the club to develop him into a first-team regular, not a short-term asset to be loaned out.

Fans are also conscious of Brighton’s reputation for nurturing talent, from Alexis Mac Allister to Moisés Caicedo, and believe Watson could be the next to follow that path. Selling too soon or entertaining loans to European clubs risks stalling his progress.

For Seagulls fans, the hope is simple: give Watson the platform in the Premier League, let him grow in the system and watch him become a star in Sussex before considering his value elsewhere.